SLanka marks Independence Day amid economic woes

Sri Lanka marked its 75th independence anniversary on Saturday amid economic woes. Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe acknowledged the somber state of the nation. The president said that everyone, politicians and the citizens alike, were to blame for the country's woes. He said from the early days of independence, Sri Lankans were divided in terms of race, religion and region.

Wickremesinghe also said steps were being taken to restore ethnic amity. The country is effectively bankrupt and has suspended repayment of nearly 7 billion USD in foreign debt due this year pending the outcome of talks with the International Monetary Fund for a bailout package. Unsustainable debt and a severe balance of payment crisis have led to a severe shortage of essentials such as fuel, medicine and food.